The final day of the 2016 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft saw three players with local ties given the opportunity to begin their professional careers.
First, history was made at Drury University. The Washington Nationals selected pitcher Sterling Sharp in the 22nd round, number 664 overall. Sharp becomes the second Panther ever drafted, after Will Landsheft was the first back in 2014. He led the Panthers with 18 appearances and struck out 43 on the season.
The first local high school player came off in the 31st round, the 946th overall pick, when the St. Louis Cardinals selected Bolivar High’s Jonathan “JD” Murders.
“Wow,” Murders tweeted. “I am humbled and blessed beyond belief to be drafted by the [Cardinals].”
Murders was named an All-COC Small infielder this season and has committed to Texas Tech.
Four rounds later, Mizzou pitcher and former Springfield Catholic star Austin Tribby came off the board. The Minnesota Twins selected Tribby in the 35th round.
The 6-foot-5 senior went 3-3 in 28 appearances for the Tigers this year, striking out 54 batters in 52.2 innings.
